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Crafting an Oasis within the Urban Jungle: The Art and Intricacies of Backlands Planning

Red Arches House - a new build house on a side garden of a house in Kensal Rise, North West London

Nestled within the confines of our contemporary urban sprawl lies an opportunity, often overlooked – the realm of the backlands plot. As an architect with two decades of experience leading a boutique, design-focused architecture studio, my journey has led me to deeply appreciate the c …

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The Powerhouse Standard – Pioneering Eco Architecture

Kjørbo, nestled along Sandvika's enchanting seafront, graces Bærum municipality near Oslo, Norway. These two refurbished structures, dating back to 1980, span roughly 2,600 square meters each. Their collective energy consumption amounts to a staggering 250 kWh per square meter every year.

Throughout my career, my focus has been on creating low-energy and low-embodied carbon designs that contribute to a sustainable future. However, there is one project that stands out among the rest – the Powerhouse initiative.

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Planning permission granted in North West London – Red Arch House

Planning permission granted for Red Arches House in Kensal Rise, North West London

We are thrilled to announce that our latest planning application for a new home in North West London has been granted permission by the local planning authority. Red Arch House has been a labour of love for our team, and we’re excited to share the details with you.

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Understanding the New Era of Energy-Efficient Architecture in the UK

View of the kitchen dining space in our Queen's Park House project in NW London by RISE Design Studio

The gravitation towards low energy and low embodied carbon designs has never been more pertinent. The UK, like many countries globally, is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to building energy performance. This article delves deep into understanding these changes, particul …

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The Power of Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Comprehensive Guide for Developers and Homeowners

Architects reviewing a BIM model on a computer screen

Welcome to the future of architecture! At RISE Design Studio, a small contemporary design-led architecture firm focused on low energy and low embodied carbon designs, we have embraced the power of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in our practice. With over 20 years of experience, …

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MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation: What is it and how does it work?

Image showing ducting from MVHR unit to all rooms of the house at Herbert Paradise, Kensal Rise, NW London

As an architect with two decades of experience, I have witnessed the evolution of sustainable design principles and their integration into contemporary architecture. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards low energy consumption and low embodied carbon designs. One crucial elem …

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Do I need an architect for an extension? The benefits, and alternatives, explained

Architects can add value to your project

When it comes to embarking on a house extension project, one of the first questions that arises is whether or not to hire an architect. Opinions on this matter are often divided, and it usually boils down to budget considerations. Bringing in an additional professional service can inc …

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What is EnerPHit? Is it right for my home retrofit project?

Douglas House, Kensal Rise, North West London. Douglas House includes MVHR, high levels of insulation and airtightness

EnerPHit aims to achieve similar levels of energy efficiency as Passivhaus for retrofitted buildings. In this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of EnerPHit, its requirements, the benefits it offers, and the considerations you need to keep in mind if you are plann …

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